General recommendations

Carry all documents with you; do not put them in luggage that will be checked or that will not be in your possession at all times

Be able to talk about your education or work goals, UTSA and your plans for work after your return to your home country

Make arrangements with someone whom you can contact to take care of your local affairs (apartment, pets, notifying your employer, etc.), if you experience delay while traveling outside of the US. Make sure you have our e-mail address and telephone number

At the border:

Your I-94 card: Give this to the border or airline officials. When you return, you receive a new I-94. Make sure the notations about visa type and duration of stay are correct!

When you cross the border:

Have your passport, visa and I-20 or DS-2019 ready for the immigration officer

Your I-20 or DS-2019

Your I-94 will be stamped. It will note your immigration status and duration of status

The officer may take your fingerprints and a photo

If you have problems:

Ask the border officer or immigration official to call the Office of International Programs at 210-458-7202. Nights and weekends, call the UTSA police at 210-458-4242 and ask for assistance in contacting an international student adviser.

Ask the border officer for an I-515. This is a document that allows you to stay in the U.S. for 30 days. If you receive an I-515, make an appointment with the Office of International Programs immediately.